The Plonker's™ letters page - feedback from our fans and supporters
the following letter from Gary Murphy of Lymington must take 'pride of place' 

This letter was due to be published in the "New Milton Advertiser" and "Lymington Times":
http://www.advertiserandtimes.co.uk/

Dear sirs,

I write in response to the article you ran in last week’s A & T (18^TH August 2007) concerning the ongoing dispute over the local musicians – known as the “PLONKERS” 

Having known Gordon Brownen for some years and indeed “sat in” on a couple of gigs with him and his band, I share his frustration and anger over those unscrupulous persons that continue to exploit and “hoodwink” audiences & promoters alike, in to thinking they are being entertained by the original band instead of some two-bit spin-offs.

The Plonkers Agricultural Orchestra (original band) of many years standing are a legend throughout the New Forest (and beyond) and rightly so.

Therefore anyone now deliberately emulating them, and using a similar name in order to secure bookings, should be seen as devious and fraudulent and treated accordingly.

The New Forest Plonkers could (and should) have chosen a completely different name & taken on their own identity, instead of trying quite plainly to steal a reputation that has been built up over many years by the original artistes.

It would also appear that some of the blame must lay with the Trademarks Office in registering both names, which has exacerbated the situation.

Quite clearly the original band (The Plonkers Agricultural Orchestra) had registered their name in 2005, two years prior to the others, which didn’t happen until July of this year. Surely this must now be redressed by withdrawing the latter registration.

Yours sincerely

Gary Murphy (Lymington)

This letter was published in the "New Milton Advertiser" and "Lymington Times":
Saturday 8th, September, 2007
http://www.advertiserandtimes.co.uk/

Sir - To brighten up the miserable summer months, I thought that the 'A&T' had chosen to run a new feature of 'Spot the difference - new twist in battle of the Plonkers bands' (August 18th).

Despite many hours of studying The Original Plonkers and the newly trademarked New Forest Plonkers' band pictures, no differences could be spotted: identical costumes, instruments and, no doubt, repertoire.

Yet Mr Rickman claims he has not taken The Plonkers name and farming song act from my father, which was established in 1980. I find this all very sad.

Lorna. (full name and address supplied to the A&T)